When a loved one passes, you need clear legal guidance through probate and estate settlement — not more confusion. We walk executors and families through every step.
Estate administration is the legal process of managing and distributing a deceased person's assets according to their will — or, if there is no will, according to New Jersey's intestacy laws. It includes everything from filing the will with the Surrogate's Court to settling debts, filing tax returns, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
If you've been named executor or administrator of an estate, you have a legal obligation (called a fiduciary duty) to manage the estate responsibly. That means following a structured process, meeting deadlines, and ensuring all creditors and beneficiaries are properly handled.
The executor's responsibilities in New Jersey typically include:
This process can take several months to over a year depending on the complexity of the estate, whether there are disputes, and whether real property or business interests are involved.
New Jersey's probate process is handled through the county Surrogate's Court. In straightforward cases, probate can be relatively simple — the Surrogate's office can often issue Letters Testamentary within days of filing. However, contested wills, missing beneficiaries, complex asset structures, and tax issues can extend the process significantly.
Even in "simple" estates, legal missteps can create personal liability for the executor. Working with an attorney ensures the process is handled correctly from day one.
If the decedent established a revocable living trust, many assets may pass outside of probate — but the trust still needs to be administered. The successor trustee has duties similar to an executor: identify trust assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute according to the trust terms. Irrevocable trusts may have additional reporting and compliance requirements.
Papola Law guides executors, administrators, and successor trustees through the entire estate settlement process. Whether the estate is straightforward or involves complex tax issues, disputed claims, or real estate, we handle the legal work so you can focus on your family.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Jeffrey Papola, Esq. and find out exactly what a proper estate plan looks like for your family — in plain English.